Have you ever been so confused as to what an “appropriate” makeup look for work is?

I’ve wrestled with this concept ever since I started working in 2008. My first job was as a hostess at Outback Steakhouse. I was 18 at the time, and loved the Kat Von D “go all out with eyeliner” look, so that was my regular makeup look then. I love eyeliner, and I still love a good cat eye today!

As I got older (and continued working in a variety of industries), I started to notice that my look was a bit “extreme” for the office. I felt judged, laughed at, and definitely not taken seriously – so, I wanted to change that. I became comfortable with rocking a cat eye on nights out and weekends, but not all day. In fact, I wore so much eyeliner that I ended up with a nasty stye! My body was telling me it wasn’t cool with it either, so I decided to listen.

Recently, I learned that a “natural” look was more comfortable for me, and better received by those I was in business settings with. When I say “business settings” I mean days at the office, interviews, conferences, or anything with a business agenda behind it.

So, I perfected a “natural” (less makeup driven) look that I’m happy with, and wear during the day. It’s really just foundation, mascara, and a little bit of brow pencil.

Take a look!

This routine takes five minutes for me to complete – if that.

I’m happy that I found something easy for me to stay consistent with. I hope you find the same!

Remember, in a business setting, your talent is going to speak for itself. It should. Always make that your primary focus. The rest is just “the icing on the cake!”

I’ve gone completely makeup free at work before too, and I found that to be incredibly freeing and a stress reliever in the midst of an already hectic day. It was one less thing that I had to worry about.

Do what’s best for you, and let me know how it works!